Boost for Raila after review of gender rule for AUC top job

Raila Odinga, the Azimio leader backed by Nairobi, has seen a significant boost in his quest to become the next African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson.

Despite initial challenges, recent developments indicate a smoother path ahead for his candidacy.

A report from the Permanent Representatives Committee and verified by The Eastleigh Voice has concluded that regions should focus solely on fronting candidates without gender restrictions.

The final decision rests with the Executive Council, which comprises all the foreign ministers of the 55 African member states.

The Council is set to convene in Addis Ababa on Friday to discuss the report and either approve or disregard it.

The outcome of this crucial meeting will determine the next steps in the election process and ultimately shape the future leadership of the African Union Commission.

This decision marks a departure from previous recommendations, including one suggesting that only female candidates from the Eastern region would be considered.

The report discussed extensively for the past two weeks, has seen 55 Permanent Representatives accredited to the African Union express disagreement with the gender recommendation.

Many delegations within the committee highlighted concerns regarding the accuracy of interpretations relating to rotational gender parity in relation to Statute Article 14(2) of the continental body.

They argued that it is the prerogative of the regions to nominate both genders and urged for the deletion of the gender-focused recommendation.

President William Ruto, opposition leader Raila Odinga and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni are pictured at the latter's Kisozi country home on February 26, 2024. (Photo: PCS)

The Eastleigh Voice is yet to ascertain which region or country made that particular proposal.

Review

Instead, they proposed a review of the related draft decisions to ensure fairness and inclusivity in the selection process.

Notably, the committee endorsed an option emphasising inter-regional rotation based on alphabetical order for the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson positions.

This development clears the way for Raila's bid for the AUC chairmanship, as it ensures a fair and open competition for all candidates regardless of gender.

However, the principle of rotational gender parity dictates that the two positions, chairperson and deputy chairperson, are not occupied by the same gender.

The Eastern African Region will front candidates for the chairperson post while the Northern region will battle for the Deputy chair position.

From the Eastern region, only Kenya and Somalia have so far declared their candidates.

Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo is pictured with Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga in Karen, Nairobi, on February 15, 2024. (Photo: X/ ODM)

It's important to note that when referring to Eastern Africa within the African Union, it encompasses more than just the East African Community.

The broader Eastern region includes over 10 countries including Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Djibouti.

Aggressive campaign

Raila, known for his vast political acumen and extensive diplomatic experience, remains optimistic about his chances as he continues his aggressive campaign to secure support from across the continent.

He served for five years as the African Union's High Representative for Infrastructure in Africa Development.

He had been fronted by his former political nemesis cum ally, then Kenyan leader Uhuru Kenyatta, who had made peace with Raila in 2018 during the famous March handshake.

Rwanda leader Paul Kagame who in 2016 was tasked with leading AU institutional reforms but stepped down this year has already endorsed Raila's candidature.

President Kagame met with former Prime Minister @RailaOdinga and exchanged on various issues of regional and continental interest. pic.twitter.com/ITTuZ1WGjj

— Presidency | Rwanda (@UrugwiroVillage) March 8, 2024

President Kagame met the Kenyan opposition leader on Tuesday and promised to support his bid, a move aimed at helping his candidacy for the top job of African Union Commission Chairperson.

According to Kagame, the opposition leader won't be unfamiliar while he works for the African Union Commission based on his previous experiences.

"I do speak with Raila Odinga. I know his struggles even when I was the African Union chairperson in 2018 and He was representing the Commission on Infrastructure for the continent. He did a good job. We give him our support and wish him all the best," Kagame said in an interview this week.

Following the retirement of Moussa Faki, a former Chadian foreign minister who has served for eight years next year, a new chairperson will be elected next February.

An AU Commission chair serves for a four-year term renewable once.

For Raila to compete, the capital must formally submit his application, undergo a shortlisting process, and secure a place on the agenda of continental leaders during the next summit.